ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues sauna

i couldnt find sauna in the NEC, chapter 1, 4, 6....

this is all i could find...
Electric Dry-Bath Heaters, UL 875, http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/0875.html

does anyone know where it says the heaters used need to be GFCI protected per NEC ? cant find it anywhere

I have found nothing in the instructions for the steam units (ok...sauna's) that i've installed.

I just make sure the plumbing is bonded well


however, it should be noted that there is nothing saying it is a violation to install one via GFI

I do all my pools GFI, regardless of 680

(which i consider an orginizational mess anyways)

Cindy,

For what it's worth, I don't know of any GFCI requirements either.

Bill

ok thanks.
it seems like its a different situation than pools and tubs, but thought i waould ask since you pour water over this piece of equipment with 240v wired into it

Cindy,

Not for nothing but sec. 110-3(b) of the NEC might cover this. If the manufacture requires GFCI protection then you would need to install it. I myself haven't seen GFI protection yet, but it might be out there.

Electricity + Water = GFI first impression ?

me too....after all bodily immersion in steam might be seen as being a tad more proximal to conductivity than washing dishes at your sink right?

low body count i guess.....

want to really get confused?

call up tec support and confront them on the GFI issue

maybe you'll even get somebody who speaka de eeengleesh


[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 05-30-2003).]

Forgive me for being contrary, . . .but. . .I see a difference. At the counter, the possiblity of manipulating or steadying a countertop appliance (say, mixer) while adjusting the fill rate of the faucet at the sink, or while adjusting the range settings, or while openning the fridge, is normal multi-tasking for a busy cook. Read thru body fault potential.

The simple submersion of a body in pool or hottub water (and contacting water only), sets up one for a thru body fault from the gradient established along the body in some fault conditions.

In a sauna, one is in contact with, what?, a towel, wood bench (or other low specific heat material), birch whips , the water pitcher. . .but not anything electrical.

Seems safer, by comparison to the first two situations.